
Why Knowing Your True Self Is So Difficult, with Eric Oliver
From Big Brains by University of Chicago Podcast Network
January 22, 2026 · 32 min · Episode 186
About this episode
Eric Oliver discusses the complexities of self-discovery and the journey of understanding one's true self.
The process of understanding who we are is a lifelong journey for many of us. For two decades, that question has been one that University of Chicago scholar Eric Oliver has asked his students in class—and inspired him to write a new book called "How to Know Your Self: The Art & Science of Discovering Who You Really Are." A renowned political scientist, Oliver draws upon science, philosophy, psychology and his personal experiences to better examine the mysteries of the human experience—and explore what it truly means to be “you.”
People in this episode
Guest: Eric Oliver
Topics covered
- self-discovery
- identity
- psychology
- philosophy
- human experience
Keywords
- self
- identity
- psychology
- philosophy
- human experience
- Eric Oliver
- University of Chicago
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: University of Chicago
Books & works: How to Know Your Self: The Art & Science of Discovering Who You Really Are
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